We are pleased to announce that the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific trains will be returning to the tracks this spring and summer and the Tranz Alpine will resume services once we move to Covid- 19 Alert Level 1.
The Northern Explorer running between Auckland and Wellington will recommence its normal weekly timetable from Thursday 01 October.
The Coastal Pacific returns from Tuesday 13 October, running between Christchurch and Piction and returning the same day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The TranzAlpine running between Christchurch to Greymouth will resume service once we move to Covid-19 Level 1. It runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Cook Strait ferry bookings and some daytours and bus routes are also open for sale. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries on 0800 143 669 or info@newzealandtravelteam.com
We understand that Covid-19 continues to add uncertainty in planning, and indeed all the train services rely on the country returning to Alert Level 1. Should there be cancellation of services due to Covid 19 restrictions, we will offer affected customers a transfer to an alternative date, a credit for 12 months, or a refund, regardless of the fare purchased less a $30 processing fee for the entire reservation.
Discover the fascinating history of Christchurch on a half day city sightseeing tour. Take in the sights of the central city and its surrounds and see how this beautiful city is recovering from the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Step on board a classic open top double decker for a one-hour bus tour around central Christchurch. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city from its pioneering days to the present day. You will view some of the areas affected by the earthquakes, see how Christchurch is preserving some of its iconic heritage buildings and learn about the latest plans for restoration of the inner city.
Experience the natural beauty of Hagley Park, the Avon River and Botanic Gardens, as well as the recently reopened New Regent Street with its distinctive Spanish Mission style architecture, and the Re:START mall, an innovative development created entirely out of shipping containers!
Following your Christchurch city tour, we head towards the picturesque seaside village of Sumner where there is time to explore the beach and its interesting rock formations. From there we travel up the Port Hills to the historic Sign of the Takahe, a listed heritage building where you will enjoy panoramic views overlooking Christchurch City, the port of Lyttelton, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
On the return journey we visit Mona Vale, one of Christchurch's most spectacular gardens. Take a leisurely stroll around the park and see why Christchurch is known as 'the Garden City'.
Useful tips: The first hour of this tour is by open top double decker bus with covered seating available downstairs. The last two hours of the tour are in a closed top double decker vehicle.
Tour details
Half day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Rolleston Avenue
Tour includes
Hagley Park, Avon River and Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Cathedral and new Cardboard Cathedral
Bridge of Remembrance
Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre
Re: START shipping container mall
